Raised in Dungeon

The orientation period of Praerea first year is over.

The culmination of their efforts would be unveiled on the assessment altar. Each student's name would be proclaimed alongside the precise tally of points they had accrued.

A hushed murmur permeated the gathered students, their excitement palpable as they speculated about who would ascend to the coveted third altar among their peers. Each student contemplated the points they had painstakingly accumulated throughout the week.

"If we're talking about talent, plenty of names come to mind," a voice whispered conspiratorially.

"So far, the most outstanding is Rasheeda el-Malakooti. The dark elf who can do everything," another student chimed in.

"The one who keeps up with her is probably Allen. He's the one who Hussain directly recruited to enter the SDC, and his duel with Clarke is outstanding! But he has too many problems that could decrease his point."

"What about Felicia and Hallie? Those two are always arguing and talented in theory. When it comes to the most points, it's definitely between them."

"But let's not forget Gustav the lion, the enigmatic Akiyama from another world, and the elven princess Vioriel. Each one carries a strong prowess."

"As for the Aarakocra, their reclusive nature shrouds them in mystery. And among the sirens, there are undoubtedly hidden gems of exceptional talent,"

With no classes scheduled for the day, some students lingered around the academy, compelled by the obligation to witness the first-day rituals at the altar.

"From this altar, we can see who can go to the Arcaneblade festival," said the executive chairman of the faculty.

"I hope our faculty makes the top 50," replied the vice chairman.

Most students within the academy, particularly the first-year Praeterea, converged around the enigmatic altar on the third floor. Among them, Allen and his companions navigated through the corridors, drawn toward the third floor.

The third floor of Oxwade Academy was the trial ground, served as a multifaceted arena, hosting the grandeur of the colosseum, the depths test of dungeon, and the revered assessment altar.

As Allen and his cohorts approached their destination, the atmosphere buzzed with a blend of curiosity and excitement. A mysterious ambience enveloped them. The darkened expanse was bathed in the soft glow of starlight emanating from an illusory crystal at the pinnacle of the floor. The entire arrangement mirrored the nocturnal expanse of the sky, casting an ethereal ambience upon the surroundings.

Sharik voiced his exhilaration. ", "This is my first time descending to the third floor!"

"This is my first time going down to the third floor!" said Sharik, excited.

The others were also excited but didn't show it as clearly as Sharik.

As for Allen, when he went down to the third floor, he again felt a sudden dizziness because the demonic mana on the third floor was thicker than the second floor.

'I thought I had gotten a little used to it during this week, but apparently, the second floor is nothing compared to the third floor,' Allen thought.

On that floor was a large altar with the students' names, ranks, and rankings written on it. The altar was made of black glossy stone, and the writing was written in white with a bright blue light.

There were ten altars in total, arranged in a circle. At the front was the first and most conspicuous altar, the top ten names were displayed there, with a list of the other twenty below in lowercase letters. The name displayed there would be called "The First Stella," as the most admired student in Oxwade.

"Has there ever been a first year student who got the first stella?" inquired one of the students.

"Fool, how could there be," came the dismissive reply. "First-year students only accumulate points from their weekly studies. There's no conceivable way they could surpass the year-long efforts of seniors. At best, first years may ascend to the third altar, but even that is rare."

"Percival, Kethryllia, Zuhair..." murmured Felicia, scanning the names of the top three point-holders at the moment.

"I don't know any of them," Felicia admitted.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" exclaimed Sharik, his shock evident as he leaned in closer to Felicia.

Allen intervened, pushing Sharik's face away and adding, "I've never heard of them either."

Geirhild, adopting a sarcastic tone, remarked, "What do you expect from them? Those two hardly attend classes; you shouldn't be surprised at anything they achieve."

Sharik retorted, "Oh? You're right too. But at least, have you never heard of Sir Percival?"

"I only know he's the prince of the other side," Felicia replied

Sharik excitedly began, "That's very huge issue! Sir Percival is-" but Sharik's story was cut short by the excited voices of all the students.

Just then, faint moonlight shot from the crystal onto the altar. The points next to the altar seemed to change randomly, making the names on the altar change position, except for the first altar, whose name still did not budge.

Until finally, the names stopped moving. The first altar had no changes; the most changes were on the third altar.

The most surprising change was at the third altar.

Everyone watched, a uniq case that should never have happened.

In just a week, a few first-year students managed to enter the third altar.

Creating a stir among the other students.

"Miss Kethryllia! You definitely didn't expect what happened at the altar!" said Daphne excitedly.

Inside the executive student room, Kethryllia was seen lying down on her familiar body, a large white wolf. While she was reading, Daphne entered the executive room in a hurry.

"Did my favorite manage to become one with the third altar?" asked Kethryllia.

"Favorite? Are you talking about your sister, Vioriel? Yes, she made it inside."

"I'm not talking about her."

After thinking for a moment, she immediately realized what Kethryllia meant, "Oh, you mean Felicia. Yes, she made it to the third altar."

"Then everything is as expected. More than three students will make it to the third altar."

"That's true, but it's not just three students! There were ten first-year who entered the third altar!"

Back to the third floor,

Allen looked at the third altar, checking the names on it. There was Felicia's name, and there was also his name at the very bottom.

What surprised him was the name of the person right above him.

"Jane Theda Barkaley," Allen muttered. Right at that moment, he could feel the killing air behind him.

"Long time no see, the fun's over, killer," behind him, Jane stuck her knife in Allen's back.